(St. Louis, MO) – Eastern Illinois pulled off the first upset of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, but it wasn’t easy. Seventh seeded EIU led by 11 points with five minutes left in the game and held on for a 73-71 win over sixth seeded Tennessee State.
Second team all-conference performer Montell Goodwin led the Panthers (12-18) with 20 points, but it was Hazelwood Central graduate Ray Crossland (11 points & seven rebounds) blocking Delano Spencer’s potential game-winning three-point attempt, that sealed the victory.
Spencer led Tennessee State (15-15) with 17 points and second team all-OVC forward Christian Mekowulu added a double-double (15 points & 12 rebounds). EIU now faces third seeded Austin Peay.
Tennesse Tech Moves On
Despite struggling offensively fifth seeded Tennessee Tech (19-13) advanced to the OVC quarterfinals with a 60-51 triumph over Southern Illinois Edwardsville. Mason Ramsey led the Golden Eagles with 19 points. Eighth seeded SIUE, who finishes the season at 9-21, was led by Jalen Henry’s double-double (14 points & 15 rebounds). Recently Henry topped the 1,000 point scoring level and in Wednesday’s loss he picked up his 500th career rebound.
Tech now faces fourth seeded and reigning Tournament champion Jacksonville State.
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Flooding, lightning strikes, etc. have cost @RacersHoops two home games. Had to play 'neutral site' tonight instead of at home and Wednesday's goes from home to away. Tough break for the Racers, and the whole area has been hit with difficulties. #FatherHarry
Murray State's scheduled home game Wednesday vs. Southern Illinois being moved to Banterra Center in Carbondale. #ValleyHoops
Gigantic game for @BradleyUMBB today in Des Moines. If they have a chance to catch @DrakeBulldogsMB, they have to win today. The Bulldogs can basically win the title today. @BustingBrackets breaks it all down. #FatherHarry https://bit.ly/3EGiVgi
Not rooting for any particular @ValleyHoops, but chaos is always fun. If things break certain ways, after today there could be a six-way tie for fifth place.
Fun to listen to @MLBLarry on the @SIU_Basketball/@BelmontMBB game tonight. Good job brother. #FatherHarry
